Raytheon Co. demonstrated their successful prototyping of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) technologies into the US Patriot Air and Missile Defense System radar. In addition to enabling future 360 sensor coverage, these technologies will significantly increase the defended area and decrease the time to detect, discriminate and engage threats. The introduction of GaN-based AESA technologies will also further improve reliability and lower the life cycle costs for the Patriot radar, beyond what has already been achieved with other recent Patriot radar improvements.

"Raytheon is a leader in airborne, sea-based and ground-based radars and we continue to invest in research and development to further mature radar technology. GaN-based AESA technologies represent the future of ground-based sensors and will have future application to Raytheon's entire sensor portfolio," said Ralph Acaba, vice president of Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business. "Along with the Patriot radar, the entire Patriot system has kept pace with the latest technological advances to ensure over match against current and evolving threats. The Patriot that's currently in production and fielded is the most advanced air and missile defense system available today."